She covered over 12,700 kilometres on a surf ski around Australia.
Over 254 days at sea.
In the modern world where resilience in children is under question, Bonnie is a wonderful example of the highest standards of mental strength and resilience.
She started nippers at Sawtel from the age of five, and dreamt from the age of 12 to become Karla Gilbert (she won the Kelloggs Ironwoman Series seven years in a row from 1995 to 2003) and at the age of 17, she became a professional Iron Woman competitor, as did her sister, Courtenay. She waitressed through uni and trained every day, 6.5 km in the pool every morning under the eye of legendary coach, Denis Cotterell. After uni each day she would do 10-20 km on the surf ski, and some running on the soft sand to complete her day that tended to be complete by 7:00 p.m., with competitions at the weekends. That gruelling schedule shaped her life daily until the age of 25.
She then evolved from Iron Woman competitions into a ski paddler on an 18 kg craft, typically racing over five-minute races, whilst embarking on a career as a dietician.
Her ultra endurance journey began at Broadbeach Library, reading a book about a lady who had written a biography about it. She had 25 rejections for sponsorship before she signed her first sponsor.
Her incredible journey paddling around Australia for over 254 days began when she paddled 73 km on her first day. Then, after about a week in, the daily target was scheduled to be 90 km on that day; but half way through a few hours, she was told it had to be increased to 120 km that day as it was decided she had to go around an island. After a month of constant paddling she had bulging discs and various other illnesses, but nothing would stop her, including the crocodiles encountered.
The mental hurdles she smashed through were endless. “Being prepared to adapt your plan” was front and centre in her amazing journey. Everytime a headwind came, she became stronger, and she would realise that when the headwinds dropped.
Lemons into Lemonade!
In the interview, Bonnie talks about a lot of the challenges along the way, including some good and bad decisions she made, how she developed her work ethic, and the joy of working to a plan.
This included a discussion around parenting and sport, managing finances, how she got into ultra endurance and many other fascinating anecdotes.
It’s an amazing story.
You can watch the interview with Barry Wilkinson of Milton based SW Brokerage here:
Barry’s podcast series is full of some great information about life and finances. It covers many things including little-known tips and tricks around finance.
The property at 32 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot has sold for $23,000,000, placing it among the top residential sales in the suburb. Handled by Ray White Ascot, the sale settled on 1 November 2024, representing a dramatic increase from its $10,000,000 sale price in 2021.
About the Property
This elegant Queenslander from the 1930s has undergone restoration and expansion, combining traditional design with contemporary luxury. It has been extensively renovated by the owner, construction expert Brett Walker of BWC Group.
Set on a 3,035 m² block, the home features: – 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a dedicated study – Formal and informal living zones with original heritage details – Expansive entertainer’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, and wine storage – Championship-size floodlit tennis court – Resort-style swimming pool, cricket pitch, and manicured gardens
The buyer of the record-setting property is Ben Cleary, a Brisbane expat and director of the multi-billion-dollar fund manager, Tribeca Investment Partners.
Mr Cleary, who previously purchased a penthouse in Cutters Landing, New Farm, for $10 million in 2022 with his wife, Jane, is among a growing number of high-net-worth individuals returning to Brisbane and investing in its luxury property market.
Why This Sale Stands Out
– Previously sold for $10M in 2021 – One of the largest privately held lots in Ascot – Extensive outdoor features uncommon this close to the city
The sale underscores growing demand for high-end properties offering land, privacy, and lifestyle. It’s all within easy reach of the Brisbane CBD.
Previous Ownership & Historical Significance
In 2021, the property was sold by Brian White, Chairman of Ray White Group, who had owned the home since 1975. Over 40 years, he and his wife, Rosemary, raised their three sons in this residence. The home, a signature Federation-style Queenslander, features four bedrooms, a study, music room, large entertainment area, fireplaces, formal lounge and dining areas, a floodlit tennis court, swimming pool, cricket pitch, and 37 metres of street frontage.
Mr White expressed his sentiments about the sale to Mr Walker and his family:
“I can’t be happier that a family has purchased it and I certainly felt a responsibility to our old home that it needed to be lived in.”
Market Dynamics During the 2021 Sale
The 2021 sale occurred amidst historically low interest rates, which Mr White noted:
“Never, ever in my career have we had anything like the interest rates we have at the moment…Real estate is very sensitive to the perception of where interest rates are heading.”
The property attracted significant interest, culminating in a sale to a Brisbane family a week before the scheduled auction. Mr White emphasized the value of auctions in providing buyers with confidence through transparent competition.
Street Profile & Sales Context
Sutherland Avenue has long been considered one of Ascot’s most prestigious streets, home to historic estates, manicured gardens, and architecturally significant properties. Homes here are tightly held and rarely come to market.
This $23 million sale at 32 Sutherland Avenue not only sets a new suburb record, but signals ongoing confidence in Ascot’s position as one of Brisbane’s most exclusive addresses. It’s a property that captures lifestyle, luxury, and long-term investment appeal in equal measure.
We’ve combed Ascot and Hamilton for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
George Michaelson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Passionate about food and wine, they really care about what they’re doing. Pulling this off in a restaurant would be good but pulling this off in a bus with a tiny mise.. Sarah knows her wine, the pairings were great. They take note of allergies and are super careful.
TheRealOGLoc ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ambiance of this restaurant is absolutely delightful, creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The food is delicious, and their quail dish is truly unique and flavorful—a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in something extraordinary.
Linda Erg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Da Biuso is a special dining experience. The food was considered and beautiful. Highlights for me were the buttery scampi and delicate trout. The fit out is adorable and the custom plates were a wonderful touch. Sarah and the team were attentive, knowledgeable and accommodating.
Constantine T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend ! After visiting twice, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic spot for a great dining experience. The service is outstanding—staff members are warm, attentive, and make you feel genuinely welcome. The food is of exceptional quality, with fresh ingredients and flavors that truly stand out. Best oysters ever tasted, fresh and juicy. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a night out with friends, Flaming & Co delivers on both atmosphere and taste. Definitely a place worth returning to!
Marco Ho ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We went with some friends for dinner and had a great time. Food was excellent, I recommend the kangaroo croquette (if you don’t prefer it gamey) and the smoked chicken which was cooked perfectly with succulent texture plus generous serve. The restaurant is dog friendly with outdoor seating (front patio) and had a warm vibe. At the time of this review, we ordered from the summer menu 2025.
Donna Tulloch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything was absolute perfection. Steaks were the best. You probably need to order a side with the main though as the portion for the main is smaller but still plenty with the extra side. Wattleseed bread as a starter was amazing. We dined from the winter menu and I’ve posted the pics here as I noticed their menu options were different to photos from reviews. Service was fantastic. Really delicious food and lovely atmosphere. We really liked the modern Australian spin on classic food. The service was lovely and the food was wonderful. Surprise favourite: duck pate. I’m not generally a pate fan but my partner is. We both loved it. The sauce and sauerkraut went really well with it!
John Har ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was excellent. I had the banquet meal along with most of our group. It was a delicious experience that was crafted with some real talent. The ingredients were bursting with freshness. Throughout the evening we were served by very friendly people who had a good eye for detail and addressed our needs well. The restaurant is in a beautiful location and presents very well inside, the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and enjoyable. Fosh bar & restaurant sets a standard for 5 stars that I think other establishments will have difficulty attaining. Yes, it’s that good.
Monique Simmons ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FOSH delivered an incredible dining experience! We had oysters, squid, Thai fish curry, and mussels—each dish was packed with flavor, with the Thai fish curry being a standout surprise. The service was impeccable, with friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff who were happy to chat and offer menu insights. A fantastic spot for a date night.
Mira Seth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Grilled fish was great. Would def come back for the grilled fish though. Prices are pretty decent too for you get. Portions are pretty alright. Would def come back and try the other dishes sometime. Dusaf is also really attentive and made sure everything was going good for our table.
Na ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pleasant experience with Sono from beginning to end. We had the 6 course banquet ($125pp) and everything was amazing. The staff’s knowledge was superb as they explained in detail all the food that was served. I highly recommend the black cod as the main as it absolutely blew us away. Furthermore, they were all super friendly and congratulating us and asking to take our pictures as it was our anniversary. This place is worth the money and has became a favourite. Would come here again
Matthieu Mo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Got a private room with my parents and wife! The service was amazing, quick, and extremely friendly + knowledgeable about the food! I enjoy fine dining, but I am especially glad that they timed the food items perfectly. Did not have to wait between the courses
TONY DING ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service is awesome! They prepared a table next to river view for our anniversary. – Food is fresh and various. Dinner set is perfect for two people. – My favourite dish is long-time seasoned miso roasted fish. Fish is very tender, well-seasoned and with a tint of charcoal-grilled flavour. So yummmm!!! – Not cheap, but pretty sure we will be back there.
Nishant Rana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a wonderful dining experience at Aroma Restaurant! I ordered the Pollo Prawns, and it was not only beautifully served but also incredibly tasty and healthy. Every bite was full of flavor, and I truly appreciated the quality of the ingredients. The pizza was hands down the best I’ve had in a long time—perfectly cooked with a delicious crust and generous toppings. The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was excellent. I will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend Aroma Restaurant to anyone looking for great food and a delightful dining experience!
Feasting with Zen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ New to the area, was happy to give them a try what a delightful menu, many options to select from, a great wine & cocktail list. Brisbanes biggest Parmi, It was too big for us!! Friendly team, thank you Annabelle for great service.
ASH PATEL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The breakfast menu offers a variety of options, from classic dishes like eggs Benedict to more contemporary choices such as avocado toast. Dishes are well-presented, and the use of fresh ingredients is evident in the flavors. The coffee, a highlight for many visitors, is rich and expertly brewed. Aroma @ Ascot delivers a satisfying breakfast experience with its combination of delightful ambiance, attentive service, and quality cuisine. It stands out as a recommended spot for both locals and visitors seeking a pleasant start to their day in Ascot.
We had breakfast here & the food was good. The Xiu Mai (Vietnamese meatballs) were a particularly tasty dish, according to my partner. My order was the Buddah bowl, also good, very healthy dish, with edamame, beetroot homous, tomatoes, spinach, avocado etc. Fresh ingredients & generous serves. Service a little slow, but they were busy
Jhony Stiven Huertaz Ortiz ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I just had the Beef Stew (Bo Kho) at Verandah on Racecourse and it was an exceptional experience. I added an extra serve of rice with hot sauce and ordered a chocolate with Taro. The portion is generous and the combination of flavours gives it an interesting sense of authenticity. If you’re looking for a breakfast that is more than your standard bacon and eggs, this is a great option if you’re in Hamilton. The service was attentive and the atmosphere was pleasant and fresh.
Tribal Woman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My partner and I ate here on a Saturday night. Our food was delicious and fresh! I had the vegetarian fried rice and it was so good; I absolutely devoured it! My partner had a chicken pho, his favourite Vietnamese dish, and he really enjoyed it. We both stuffed our faces as it was SO yummy! Fabulous and fresh, the loveliest staff, and of course, the most beautiful restaurant on Racecourse Road! Oh, and they have wonderful live music. So 10/10. Love this plac
Michael Meng ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great place to grab dinner. Menu is good. Food is served quickly and tastes great. The pizzas are surprisingly filling. Chicken Parmigiana is very, very good. Dinner serving sizes are great. Atmosphere is great. During my two dinners, sports (NFL – Jan 2025) were shown on the multiple TV screens. The dining area is clean. Toilets are clean also. I would definitely eat here again.
Dave Mac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We have just had Gallopers Xmas lunch. I can’t say anything, but it was a gastronomic delight. The freshest seafood, perfectly roasted meats and salads to tatilise your tastbuds all accompanied by an aray of every vegetable you can think of. Not to mention the work of the pastry chef, which was an art form. Well done to all the chefs. I understand this was the first time at gallopers. Can’t believe it. Felt like you had perfected this over many years.
Oliver O’loughlin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is a straight 10… Best steak sandwich in brisbane. Service is always off tap and the ambiance is something I could only hope my funeral reflects.
Aroma @ Ascot has opened near Eagle Farm Racecourse. It offers the Ascot community authentic Italian cuisine in a distinctively designed setting featuring natural elements like a prominent fig tree.
The restaurant provides a welcoming place for meals, combining modern design with touches of nature. Located close to the Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot, the venue features sleek décor alongside botanical elements such as hanging plants. A key feature is a large fig tree, lit with fairy lights in the evening, creating a special atmosphere.
Guests can choose between dining inside or using the outdoor seating area, which includes a section shaded by the fig tree. There is also a covered bar area with a glass roof and a wall featuring a waterfall. The restaurant aims to offer a setting suitable for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations, focusing on a warm and inviting environment where people can relax.
Aroma @ Ascot focuses on quality and authenticity in its cooking. The restaurant sources local ingredients, emphasising seasonal produce to present fresh flavours from the region. While respecting traditional cooking methods, the kitchen also incorporates creativity into its dishes.
The team aims to make dining memorable by balancing taste, texture, and presentation. It shows a commitment to careful preparation and excellence in every meal served. The goal is to provide more than just food, fostering an atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meals without feeling rushed, connect with others, and celebrate moments.
The menu centres on authentic Italian food. Aroma @ Ascot serves wood-fired pizza and calzoni alongside fresh, hand-made pasta. Other Trattoria-style dishes and drinks complement the main Italian offerings.
The restaurant highlights these specific dishes as central to its culinary identity. It aims to provide a genuine taste of Italy by using quality preparation methods like wood-firing for its pizzas.
Hendra’s own Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse, a local favourite since 1982, highlights the established Brisbane business contributing to the city’s vibrant scene as official programs work to help local food enterprises reach global markets.
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) is actively helping local food and beverage companies expand internationally through its Future Food Global Accelerator program. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that Brisbane’s diverse food and beverage scene significantly contributes to making the city a great place to live and work.
He affirmed the Council’s pride in supporting local businesses as they target international markets, noting that the accelerator program is one of several initiatives designed to back startups and build Brisbane’s reputation as an excellent place for business. The Lord Mayor also highlighted the city’s strong manufacturing capabilities, research institutions, and thriving culinary scene as key factors enabling bold ideas to become a reality.
Now in its eighth year, the month-long accelerator provides tailored support and connects businesses with industry experts. The 2025 program is set to run throughout February. Since commencing in 2018, BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has assisted over 400 businesses, including well-known local names such as Merlo Coffee and New Farm Confectionary.
Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse in Hendra represents the local enterprise that enriches Brisbane. Established in 1982 with the tagline “making sweet memories,” the Hendra warehouse is known for its extensive variety of products. Shoppers can find a wide selection of lollies, chocolates, snacks like chips and nuts, and various drinks.
The store features items from the company’s Tom’s Sweets line, including Red Clouds and Sour Worms, alongside seasonal goods and party supplies. Customer feedback often highlights the vast international product range and the friendly, helpful staff. The store is noted for being clean and well-organised, though some mention prices may be slightly higher than elsewhere.
The Hendra store even received notable praise in 2019, reportedly from international superstar Taylor Swift who described their candy as “Legit. Candy.”
Growth and Recognition
Photo Credit: Google Map
Beyond its Hendra roots and online store, Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse has expanded its physical presence. In late 2023, the company opened a large new store in Melbourne’s Highpoint Shopping Centre. This newer location gained significant attention in January 2024 when it achieved a Guinness World Record for featuring the largest pick ‘n’ mix aisle globally.
The drive to support businesses like Grove Juice and the backdrop provided by established local favourites like Tom’s aligns with Brisbane’s broader economic strategy. According to BEDA’s State of The City report, the city’s advanced manufacturing sector is expanding five times faster than the national average.
Furthermore, Brisbane’s location offers direct access to the vast Asia-Pacific market, which boasts a combined GDP of $90 trillion and represents 47% of global trade. This provides local manufacturers with a significant competitive edge on the world stage.
Ascot is set to welcome hundreds of locals and visitors as Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses host The Star Stradbroke Season, Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing event.
Brisbane Racing Club’s flagship event, The Star Stradbroke Season, will take place across Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses in Ascot from early May to mid-June 2025. This major event attracts large crowds from across Queensland, interstate, and overseas.
Six Racedays Over Six Weeks
The carnival spans six Saturday racedays, featuring more than $20 million in prize money and 37 black type races, including seven at Group 1 level. Key racedays include Sky Racing Guineas Day (3 May), Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 Day (17 May), and The Star Stradbroke Day (14 June). Three of these Group 1 races have recently been recognised among the world’s Top 100.
The event offers a range of hospitality options across both racecourses, with packages starting from $45 online. Racegoers can choose from lawn platters to rooftop cocktails. Racecourse admission begins at $15. The carnival also features Fashions on the Field competitions on Derby Day, Oaks Day, and The Star Stradbroke Day, with themed dress codes and prizes awarded for top entries.
Event Add-ons and Community Events
Supporting events include the Milliners Market on 11 April, the Members Celebration on 1 May, and the popular Breakfast with the Stars and Barrier Draw, both scheduled for 10 June. A Calcutta and Luncheon will follow on 13 June at The Star Brisbane. This offers attendees the chance to engage further with The Star Stradbroke Handicap.
Events will be held at 230 Lancaster Road and 75 Hampden Street in Ascot. The venues provide a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for public, member, and private group bookings. Not all packages are available on every raceday, and pricing varies depending on the date and experience offered.
With six consecutive Saturdays of racing, fashion, and hospitality, Ascot is expected to see a major influx of visitors and local engagement. Ticket sales are already open via the Brisbane Racing Club website, with demand expected to be high.
Doughcraft, a European-inspired bakery and restaurant in Albion, offers a delectable selection of hot cross buns this Easter season. Known for its blend of French and Italian baking traditions, Doughcraft is celebrating with both classic and chocolate varieties crafted with care and quality ingredients.
Doughcraft has cemented its place in Albion as a beloved destination for European cuisine. It opened its first location in 2022 at Craft’d Grounds’ dining precinct. Doughcraft has expanded to a second location in Brisbane’s CBD. The Albion branch, however, remains the heart of its artisan bread and pastry offerings. It features pistachio praline croissants, truffle danishes, and chocolate and raspberry brioche.
This European-style eatery combines the finesse of French baking with Italian culinary traditions. The bakery offers fresh pasta and artisan bread. They also serve a variety of savoury and sweet treats.
Easter Special: Hot Cross Buns at Doughcraft
As Easter approaches, Doughcraft Albion is returning its popular hot cross buns. The buns are available in classic and chocolate varieties. These soft, golden buns are glazed to perfection and are available daily. There’s also a wholesale option for partners across Brisbane. The chocolate version, introduced in the 1990s, has become a modern favourite alongside the traditional spiced bun.
Photo Credit: Doughcraft/Instagram
With the Easter rush expected, Doughcraft recommends preordering to secure a batch of the hot cross buns. Whether locals are grabbing one for morning coffee or stocking up for Easter celebrations, these buns are a seasonal highlight not to be missed.
Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights
Doughcraft’s Albion location isn’t just about pastries and buns. The menu features a wide array of dishes that reflect the restaurant’s commitment to authentic European flavours.
Pasta Fresca:
Prawn & Potato Ravioli: Handmade ravioli filled with cured prawn and potato, served in creamy bisque.
Bone Marrow & Anchovy Fettuccine: Fettuccine with roasted bone marrow, anchovies, and toasted hazelnuts.
Mains:
Beef Tagliata: Roasted sirloin with rocket, cherry tomatoes, parmesan shavings, and smoked sea salt.
Fish of the Day: Crispy skin fillet with salsa verde, orange and fennel salad, black olives, and grilled lemon.
Osso Buco: Slow-braised veal shanks in white wine tomato sauce, served with golden polenta chips.
Sides (Contorni):
Rocket Salad: Rocket, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar glaze.
Broccolini: Grilled broccolini with pickled chilli and almond shavings.
Locals have embraced Doughcraft Albion as both a bakery and a dining destination. Patrons frequently praise the quality of the food, the welcoming atmosphere, and the attentive service. The restaurant’s versatility, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, makes it popular for everything from casual coffee breaks to evening dinners.
As Easter approaches, Doughcraft invites locals to enjoy the best of both worlds: traditional European baking with a modern twist. Whether it’s a batch of hot cross buns or a leisurely meal, Doughcraft promises a memorable culinary experience.
James Waddell has taken the helm at Albion Park Harness Racing Club with a clear goal to restore crowd numbers and revitalise the Brisbane racing venue.
James Waddell has officially commenced duties as the new chief operations officer and chief executive of Albion Park Harness Racing Club. The role was previously held by Ken Rutherford, who is returning to New Zealand to take up a cricket administration position.
Mr Waddell’s appointment was confirmed by the club’s board, with officials citing his experience in wagering, gaming, and large-scale operations as key to future redevelopment plans for the precinct.
Mr Waddell has held senior executive roles in both retail and online wagering, including at UBET and PlayUp. His background also includes a decade managing casino operations for a major cruise line. Club leadership has indicated that these credentials align with future ambitions to transform Albion Park Harness Racing Club into a residential and sporting precinct, potentially incorporating licensed gaming facilities.
Focus on Reviving Attendance
The club’s new executive is focused on re-establishing Albion Park Harness Racing Club as a popular destination for live racing. He has expressed a strong interest in reviving the scale of attendance previously seen at the venue, where large race day crowds and supporting transport links once defined the local racing culture.
Mr Waddell has pointed to recent overseas experiences and domestic racing initiatives as examples of how racing events can be repositioned to attract large audiences in a competitive entertainment environment.
Strategic Comparisons and Industry Benchmarks
Drawing comparisons to initiatives in New South Wales, where strategic investment has significantly boosted racing engagement, Waddell has acknowledged the importance of long-term planning and market responsiveness. He believes similar strategic direction could reinvigorate interest in Queensland harness racing.
Albion Park Harness Racing Club will host the Inter Dominion series over the next three years, with the 2025 finals scheduled for July. The series is expected to attract considerable attention, especially with top Queensland pacer Leap to Fame among the competitors. Club officials see the event as an opportunity to rebuild engagement and showcase the venue’s racing calibre to a broader audience.
The Eagle Farm manufacturing plant, a key player in Queensland’s transport industry, celebrated the delivery of its 2,000th locally built bus to Kangaroo Bus Lines, marking a significant milestone for the region’s manufacturing sector.
Volgren, the bus and coach body manufacturer, reached a significant production milestone at its Eagle Farm facility. The company handed over its 2,000th Queensland-built bus to Kangaroo Bus Lines, a local bus operator. This achievement highlights the factory’s role in the region’s transport infrastructure.
Established in 2009, the Eagle Farm plant has been central to bus production in Queensland, supplying over 1,000 buses to Brisbane City Council. The factory also set a new production record in 2024, manufacturing over 180 buses.
Volgren’s senior management, representatives from Volvo Buses, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Bus Industry Council, and Kangaroo Bus Lines attended the handover ceremony at the Eagle Farm facility. To commemorate the event, Volgren’s CEO presented a plaque and key to Kangaroo Bus Lines, acknowledging their contribution to this achievement. The event also included a celebratory cake, shaped like the 2,000th bus.
Volgren’s CEO stated that the delivery of the 2,000th bus represents 45 years of hard work and strong partnerships with operators. He emphasised Queensland’s crucial role in Volgren’s national success and the company’s commitment to local manufacturing. He also credited the dedication and expertise of the company’s staff for the success.
Volgren’s CCO noted the importance of partnerships with industry leaders like Volvo and Kangaroo Bus Lines, which have enabled the company to achieve such milestones. He expressed gratitude to all customers and partners who have supported Volgren.
Volgren has been operating in Australia for 45 years and has built over 10,000 buses. The company’s operations support local jobs and contribute to the Queensland economy. The delivery of this is seen as a significant achievement, but the company intends to continue production.
The battle against a proposed 24/7 McDonald’s in Hendra is far from over, as residents have officially lodged an appeal against the decision to approve the development.
The latest legal challenge, submitted earlier this month to the Planning and Environment Court, argued that the development application (A006543699) should be refused because of several reasons. One of these is the fact that the site falls within a character residential zone primarily occupied by detached houses. Petitioners claim that approving a commercial development in such a setting contradicts local planning regulations and community expectations.
Photo credit: Google Street View
In January 2025, Brisbane approved plans for the fast-food outlet, which will be located at 330 Nudgee Road. The single-storey building will offer drive-thru services, counter takeaway, and meal order collection for delivery drivers. While the approved hours of operation would be 24/7, the counter takeaway services would be limited from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Artist’s impression of proposed development (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)
However, despite receiving the green light, the proposed 24/7 McDonald’s has faced strong opposition from the local community, with over 400 submissions lodged against the proposal. Residents have raised several concerns, including the site’s proximity to schools, increased traffic congestion, safety risks, and potential environmental pollution. Additionally, many fear that the presence of a 24/7 fast-food outlet will negatively impact property values in the area.
Locals even launched an online campaign through GoFundMe, in hopes of raising funds to engage a lawyer and independent experts to contest the development. As of writing, they have raised over $21,000.
“Your contribution will support the costs needed to draft and file a notice of appeal, engage the required independent experts, hold a mediation meeting with the applicable parties and if necessary take this to trial,” Jackie, the fundraising organiser wrote.
“Together, we can work to protect Hendra and prevent this disruptive development from moving forward.”
As the appeal process unfolds, the dispute over the McDonald’s development in Hendra continues, with residents determined to have their concerns heard in court.
